Esperance Pony Club Camp

Building Skills, Confidence and Friendships at Esperance Pony Club

More than 30 riders, including children as young as five, had the opportunity to develop their riding skills, confidence and friendships at the Esperance Pony Club’s annual camp in October 2025.

Supported by a grant from the Mt Burdett Foundation’s Esperance Community Advisory Committee (ECAC), the three-day camp brought riders of different ages and abilities together for an intensive program of coaching and learning.

Three external coaches — Louise Hillman, Nat Hibbert and Alison Rowland — travelled to Esperance for the camp, giving local riders access to new coaching perspectives and opportunities to build their horse mastery and riding skills.

The wider community also got behind the event, with accommodation, meals and morning and afternoon teas generously provided through in-kind support. “The financial support given by the Mt Burdett Foundation was imperative to keeping the cost of our camp at a reasonable level,” Esperance Pony Club Secretary Desiree Sanderson said. “Having the Mt Burdett Foundation’s support allowed the Esperance Pony Club to support over 30 riders from five years of age to improve their riding, horse mastery and build friendships.”

Following the success of the camp, the club is now exploring more permanent sponsorship arrangements to help make future camps sustainable and accessible for local families.

Supporting opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence and community connections is an important focus for the Mt Burdett Foundation. Through grassroots programs such as the Esperance Pony Club Camp, young people can learn, grow and build lasting connections within their local community.

Find out more about ECAC grants for the Esperance region: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/esperance